I wonder if you’re like me?
Music on at nearly all times.
Always have headphones on a walk.
And always require a good selection of music when labouring through the preparation and cooking of an evening meal.
Well, I think I’ve found a delightful album that makes cutting courgettes, peeling potatoes and dicing onions a pleasure.
Swedish Soul / Jazz band, PATATA & Freddy King, have released their new album ”For Food And Beverages” and the title was inspired by fans talking about the band’s sound as ‘Music for cooking’.
The band consists of Fredrik, Gabriella, Johan, Robin, Elias, John, Stefan, Carl och Gabriel, and in April 2013 they released the single ‘Puckad Av Den Skiten‘ from their debut album ‘A Good Times Compilation’, and it quickly went viral.
Since then, PATATA & Freddy King have been performing across Stockholm while taking the opportunity to jam their new songs in front of an audience. It’s a key reason why they decided to capture their latest album live in the studio as well.
Now their menu of seven tracks is ready to be served.
The album opens with the swinging 30’s style of – Man On The Moon, and I immediately wonder if I’m suitably dressed. The period is set with a classic trumpet mute sound, a sweet double bass and a gentle Brush technique on the drums. The jazzy retro track matches the band’s immaculately dressed appearance and their attention to all details.
Let’s Say – keeps the mood uplifted with a modern jazz twist and soulful vocals. All songs are sung in English, and I can hear how this would be popular infront of a live audience.
The album continues in a jazzy soul vibe with the delightful – Long and Lonely Night.
I almost forgot I was in the kitchen as this slow burning track demands a closely held partner.
Don’t let your partner go as the album continues with the two-stepping track – Like My Father Said.
The album’s melodies are folk-like and singable with – Know You So Well another fine example, and this 4min pop-enthused track is perhaps my favourite. This happy-bopping single leads nicely into a return to the classic American 30’s sound on – She Went Home.
The album closes with a slow dance, so if you’re cooking, you’ll want to make sure you set a timer. You’ll drift away with the aptly named – Close Your Eyes.
Jazz meets soul on ”For Food And Beverages” and the balance is just right. Yes, it’s ideal background music for cooking, but I strongly recommend a listen during the completed meal, and I’m sure it sounds even better when experienced live.
The result is indeed ‘al dante’.
Ok, no more food buns, sorry puns… honest!